Our beloved
Aggies
Our
Agapanthus is a compound of the Greek words ‘agape’ (love) and ‘anthos’
(flower) which is terribly confusing seeing as the Aggie is as South African as
sunny skies and Cheverolet, oh wait, make that koeksusters, Malva poering and a braai.
Agapanthus
are perennial, evergreen rootstock plants and are often used in mass planting
which really gives a magnificent show, more so when the flowering seasons
arrives. Take a drive along de Waal drive.
Our local
flower growers come up with variants time and again such as the Agapanthus
praecos subs orientalis ‘Amethyst’ or orientalis ‘Blue velvit’. There are a
number of species in the Agapanthus genus, each with its own special
characteristics, especially in regard shape and colour of the flowers.
Some
growing tips:
Aganpanthus
plants will grow in full sun and semi shade and flower profusely.
Good
drainage is essential so work a lot of compost into the soil.
Use a
handful of superphosphate for every planting hole along with loads of compost.
A mulch of compost will help reduce evaporation of the water and at the same
time act as a fertiliser.
The Aggie
is extremely hardy and drought resistant but will look healthier and bear more
blooms if watered regularly. Remember to cut dead blooms off during the
flowering season. Come end of the flowering season at the end of summer, these
rootstock plants can be divided and replanted, effectively creating your own
nursery.
As the
Agapanthus is evergreen you can use them for mass planting to create a ground
cover.
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